Day 344.
But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. (2 Chron 10:8 ESV)
This was Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, who did this in response to the people’s request to lighten their burden. By turning from the counsel of his father’s advisors to the counsel of his friends he caused the people to rebel and he lost governance of 10 of the twelve tribes of Israel. This was the cause of Israel’s division into the Southern kingdom of Judah and the Northern kingdom of Israel.
It isn’t hard to see the folly of Rehoboam’s choice. But we must realize that our tendency is to do the same thing, especially as young people. Culture presents youth as the most in touch with the “it” factor, which means parents and “old people” don’t have the insight to advise youth. This also leads to a more open sharing of troubles with peers rather than parents. What we must realize is that this is a recipe for disaster. Peers often have little more life experience than we do. God has placed wisdom in our elders, and Satan has blinded our eyes to see it.
Who do you consult when you face tough choices?
Thank the Lord for your parents and your elders, whom God has given you for your good.
McCheyne’s reading plan: 2 Ch 9, Re 1, Ze 2, Ps 119:49-72
